Europe’s rare earth element deposits protect EU industry

Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital for manufacturing the high-tech components of cars, computers and smartphones. To date, industry has relied on imports from outside the EU, but this lack of a secure domestic supply means it is vulnerable to unforeseen shortages, price hikes and supply chain issues.

The EU-funded EURARE project set up the basis for developing a viable and sustainable European REE extraction industry to safeguard the uninterrupted supply of REE ores and products vital to the EU economy. “The initiative brought together researchers from geological surveys, academia, consultancies and industry to provide a holistic approach to the European rare earth supply chain,” says project coordinator Prof. Ioannis Paspaliaris.

Further details: Europe’s rare earth element deposits protect EU industry